Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls, Canada with Kids (More Than Just the Falls)
Niagara Falls is one of those places that sounds like a simple day trip — go see the falls, done — but once you’re there, you realize there’s a lot more to explore than just the waterfall.
I grew up less than an hour from Niagara Falls and visited more times than I can count, including several trips with my boys when they were small. I even ran a half marathon there once, finishing right at the falls with my kids cheering from the sidelines (with grandma’s help).
What surprised me revisiting with my kids was how much they got out of the simplest things — standing at the railing as the water thundered past, hiding in a huge willow tree in Queen Victoria Park, taking photos on a sunny afternoon with their new camera. The big attractions are great, but Niagara has a way of creating moments you didn’t plan for.
This guide covers the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids, on the Canadian side, from the falls themselves to lesser-known parks and trails worth adding to your itinerary.
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See The Falls First
Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most powerful of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls, and the most powerful waterfall in North America. Standing at the railing as the water crashes past is one of those experiences that’s hard to describe until you’re actually there.
More than 2.6 million litres of water go over every single second — before you can even count to two, a million gallons have already passed. When you’re standing right at the edge watching it thunder down, that number starts to feel real in a way it never does on paper.
I suggest visiting during the day first, and then coming back at night. The falls are illuminated every single night of the year, and the experience is completely different after dark. From mid-May to mid-October, there’s also a nightly fireworks display above the falls.
My boys’ favourite part of one visit was simply walking along the path by the falls on a warm, sunny afternoon. We stopped to take photos (they’d just got a new kids camera), and then spent some time across the road in Queen Victoria Park, which runs right alongside the falls, where they found a huge willow tree to hide in. Sometimes the simplest thing ends up being the most memorable.
more Things to Do at Niagara Falls with Kids
1. Journey Behind the Falls
Put on a yellow poncho and take an elevator 125 feet down through tunnels carved into the bedrock behind Horseshoe Falls. The tunnels lead to viewing portals cut directly behind the water, where you can see (and feel) the falls crashing in front of you. There’s also an observation deck at the base of the falls where you will absolutely get wet.
It’s one of the most unique ways to experience the falls up close, and kids will love the novelty of being underground and behind the water. Book tickets in advance through Niagara Parks to skip the line.
Note: Strollers aren’t permitted inside Journey Behind the Falls.
2. Niagara City Cruises (previously Maid of the Mist)
The boat tour takes you right to the base of Horseshoe Falls, where you’ll be handed a red poncho and, if you’re on the upper deck, thoroughly drenched. It’s one of the most popular ways to see the falls from the water, and the scale of the falls from down below is genuinely impressive.
My kids weren’t totally sold when we went — the boat gets crowded and it can be hard for smaller kids to see over the railings — but for many families it’s a highlight, especially for older kids who can appreciate the sheer force of the water up close.
Tip: Niagara City Cruises operates seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-November. Evening illumination and fireworks cruises are also available in season.
3. Niagara Takes Flight
One of the newest attractions at Niagara Parks, this flying theatre experience on the second floor of Table Rock Centre is well worth knowing about.
Riders are lifted into gondola-style seats in front of a massive domed screen for a 56-kilometre aerial journey over the Niagara River corridor — think Soarin’ at Disney, but filmed over Niagara across all four seasons. Wind, mist, and motion effects make it feel surprisingly immersive. The pre-show includes storytelling rooms covering the region’s history, with narration by James Cameron, who grew up in Niagara Falls.
Kids need to be at least 100cm tall to ride, and the full experience runs about 35 minutes.
4. Whirlpool Aero Car
A few kilometres from the falls, the Niagara Whirlpool is one of the most powerful whirlpools in the world, and the Aero Car gives you a bird’s-eye view of it. This antique cable car has been running since 1916, which means it’s been carrying passengers over churning rapids for more than 100 years and shows no signs of stopping.
The ride takes you 3,500 feet across and back, which is four trips over the gorge in total, so you get plenty of time to take it all in from every angle.
Tip: The Aero Car operates seasonally. Check the Niagara Parks website for current hours before you go.
5. Niagara Parks Power Station
One of the more underrated stops at Niagara Falls, the historic Power Station is a beautifully restored 1905 hydroelectric generating station right on the river. Explore the original turbine hall and descend into the massive tunnels that once carried water from the Niagara River, and then head to the viewing platform at the end that looks out over the whirlpool rapids.
The scale of the old machinery is impressive, and the tunnel walk is the kind of thing kids don’t forget. The Power Station also offers a nighttime experience with dramatic lighting, which is worth considering if you’re staying more than a day.
Tip: The Power Station is included in the Niagara Parks bundle passes, which can save money if you’re doing multiple attractions.
6. Skylon Tower
For a sweeping view of both sides of the falls — plus the skylines of Buffalo and Toronto on a clear day — the Skylon Tower is worth the trip up. The outdoor and indoor observation decks sit 520 feet above the falls and are a great way to get a great view over the whole area.
If you want to make more of it, the revolving dining room at the top is a fun option for a special meal — the room does a full rotation roughly every hour, so the view keeps changing while you eat. You don’t need to book dinner to go up though, the observation deck is perfect on its own.
7. Butterfly Conservatory
A short drive along the Niagara Parkway, the Butterfly Conservatory is a tropical greenhouse home to over 2,000 free-flying butterflies. Wander the pathways through lush plants while butterflies land on flowers around you, and even sometimes on you.
It’s a quieter, more relaxed stop than most of the falls attractions, and stepping inside feels like being transported somewhere warmer entirely.
We visited a butterfly conservatory in Costa Rica and this one is very similar — that same humid, tropical air and butterflies drifting past at eye level. A good change of pace on a busy day, and one my kids really loved when they were younger.
8. Floral Showhouse and Floral Clock
Just a short walk from the falls, the Floral Showhouse is not what you’d expect to see here, but well worth a stop. In summer, the gardens are in full bloom and make for a quieter break from the busier attractions nearby. In winter, the indoor Showhouse is a great way to warm up, with rotating seasonal floral displays – the pointsetta display in December is worth visiting!
And not far along the parkway, the Floral Clock is a classic Niagara landmark. This large working clock is planted with thousands of flowers, and changed twice a year. It’s a quick stop, but my kids always ask to stop by.
9. Niagara Glen Walk
If you’re a family who likes to hike, the Niagara Glen is worth the short drive. Deep in the Niagara Gorge, there are 4km of trails winding through ancient forest alongside the Niagara Whirlpool and rapids. The colour of the water down here looks like the rivers we saw in Slovenia – the vivid green against grey rock walls isn’t something you see every day.
Tip: Proper footwear is essential. The terrain includes boulders and uneven ground — this is not a paved path.
10. Helicopter Tour
We haven’t done a helicopter tour ourselves, but my best friend did one with her teenage daughter and said it was one of the most memorable experiences of their trip. Flying above the falls, the whirlpool, and the surrounding area gives you a perspective you simply can’t get from the ground. It’s on my list for when my boys are older. Several operators run tours from the Niagara Falls area, like this one from Viator, or you can try to book a flight while you are there.
11. Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill, the main tourist strip, is just one block from the falls and packed with arcades, attractions, restaurants, wax museums, haunted houses. It’s also home to the Niagara SkyWheel, a large Ferris wheel that rises 175 feet above the area with good views of the falls day or night. The gondolas are climate-controlled, so it’s a good year-round option.
My kids weren’t particularly into Clifton Hill when we visited (it can feel a bit overwhelming quickly) but plenty of families love it, especially if you like the classic tourist-attraction energy.
Parks and Green Spaces Worth Knowing
Queen Victoria Park
Already mentioned for the falls viewing, but worth repeating as a dedicated stop. This is one of the best places to slow down in Niagara Falls — open lawns, rose gardens, benches right along the water, and plenty of room for kids to run around. We’ve spent a lot of time here over the years and it never feels like a waste of time.
Dufferin Islands
A set of small islands connected by bridges and walkways, just south of the falls. In summer, it’s a lovely spot for a picnic — we’ve done this a few times and it’s one of those free, low-key stops that ends up being a highlight. Admission is free, and it’s walkable from the falls area.
In winter, Dufferin Islands transform into part of the Winter Festival of Lights. You drive through slowly, taking in the huge light displays set up across the islands. It’s an incredible light display, and one of our family traditions at Christmas that we try to see every year.
Niagara River Recreation Trail and White Water Walk
The paved recreation trail follows the Canadian side of the Niagara River for 53km and is great for walking, jogging, or cycling. If you want to get closer to the water, the White Water Walk boardwalk (about 4km from the falls) runs right alongside the whitewater rapids, with viewing platforms at the edge of the river. A shorter walk, but an impressive one.
A Note on Visiting in Winter
Niagara Falls is worth a winter visit, though it’s a shorter trip. The falls don’t freeze, but the mist coats everything nearby, including the railings, trees and benches, in thick layers of frost and ice. It’s a completely different sight from summer, and a genuinely beautiful one.
The Winter Festival of Lights runs from November through January, with displays at Dufferin Islands and along the parkway. Most outdoor attractions run reduced hours or close entirely in the colder months, so plan accordingly — but if you’re in the area, an afternoon at the falls in winter is well worth it.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls with Kids
Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites
This is one of the top picks for families. The Hilton sits right in the Fallsview area with views of the falls from many rooms, and it’s connected to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, with 16 waterslides, a wave pool, and a splash area for little ones.
Sheraton on the Falls
Connected to the Fallsview Casino Resort and steps from the falls, the Sheraton is a great family option with a central location and easy access to most attractions.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls
A good choice if you want more space. Embassy Suites offers two-room suites, which makes a real difference when travelling with kids. Well located in the Fallsview area and close to transit.
For a full breakdown of the best areas and more hotel options, check out our where to stay in Niagara Falls with kids guide.
Practical Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls with Kids
Getting there: Niagara Falls is about 1.5 hours from Toronto by car via the QEW, or one hour from Toronto Pearson Airport (although traffic can add a bit more time). GO Transit also runs seasonal service — daily in summer, weekday service the rest of the year. Here’s more details on going from Toronto to Niagara Falls.
Parking: The main Niagara Parks lot (Lot A at 6635 Niagara Parkway) is the closest to the falls, but it fills up fast and gets expensive in summer. We usually park a bit further out — there’s a lot at Rapidsview (Lot C) that’s free with certain passes, and a short WEGO ride gets you to the falls from there. Outside of summer, you can often find street parking closer in without the crowds.
Bundle passes: If you’re planning to do three or more Niagara Parks attractions, the bundle passes are worth looking into. The Niagara Falls Wonder Pass, available directly through the Niagara Parks website, covers the main attractions including Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Takes Flight, and WEGO bus access. If you want to add attractions like the Aero Car and White Water Walk, Viator offers a Niagara Falls bundle that combines several of these into one booking — it’s not a Niagara Parks pass, but it can still save money if you’re planning a full day of sightseeing.
When to visit: June is a sweet spot — warm weather, fireworks have started, and it’s not as packed as July and August. September is also good, with smaller crowds and still-warm days. Summer weekends around the falls get very busy.
How much time do you need? Two days covers the main Niagara Parks attractions comfortably. A third day gives you time to day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, just 20 minutes away with quaint streets, great ice cream at Cows, and a small beach at Queen’s Royal Park, or time to explore other areas of the Niagara region.
Our Take on Things to Do in Niagara Falls with Kids
Niagara Falls is one of those places that’s easy to underestimate — you picture a quick stop to see the waterfall, and then you end up staying for two days. There’s genuinely a lot here for families, from the big-ticket attractions to the quieter parks and trails that give you breathing room between the busier spots.
We’ve been many times over the years, in summer and winter, when the boys were tiny and again when they were older, and it never feels like the same trip twice. Whether you’re coming for the first time or returning after years away, it’s one of those destinations that holds up — and usually surprises you with something you didn’t expect.
Looking to Explore More of Niagara?
If you’re planning to explore beyond the falls, here are some of the best things to do in the Niagara region with kids, and where to stay in Niagara Falls with kids breaks down the best hotels and neighbourhoods for families, including Fallsview options and what’s worth the splurge.
If you’re coming from Toronto, here’s the best things to do in Toronto with kids, plus how to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto. And if you’re looking to explore more of the province, our Toronto travel itinerary covers the city highlights in a few days, as well as options for exploring more of Southern Ontario in the rest of the week.
